Wednesday's SpaceX launch could cause sonic boom

BOCA CHICA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX has its sights set on Wednesday for the liftoff of its seventh Starship rocket and this time it is advising that a sonic boom may accompany it.

On Wednesday, the 60-minute test window opens at 4 p.m.

According to a release from SpaceX, a loud noise may be heard by Cameron County residents and those in the nearby area during the flight.

"At the time of launch, the rocket’s 33 Raptor engines may be audible while firing upon ignition and as the vehicle launches toward space," the release stated. "About eight to ten minutes after liftoff, the Super Heavy booster may attempt, if strict conditions are met, a return to launch site and tower catch on the pad at Starbase."

Residents in the area may hear on or more sonic booms during the return to the launch site.

A sonic boom is described as a brief, thunder-like noise that can be heard by a person on the ground when an aircraft flies faster than the speed of sound.

While it may sound scary to some, SpaceX advises that a sonic boom does not present health risks and what people experience will depend on the weather.

To watch the seventh SpaceX launch live on Wednesday, visit LabPadre.